Contact: TJ Helmstetter, tjh@wisdems.org
WALKER CLAIMS TO BE AN “EDUCATION GOVERNOR” … THE FACTS SAY OTHERWISE.
“For the past 7 years, Governor Walker has made historic cuts to Wisconsin’s K-12 public schools and the UW system. Walker’s policies have led to teacher shortages, skyrocketing school debt, and increased burden for local taxpayers. Meanwhile, he has funneled money toward unaccountable private schools, his wealthy campaign donors, and foreign corporations. Reality-check: Scott Walker is the anti-education governor.” — TJ Helmstetter, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson for 2018 governor race
FACTS:
The record cuts from the 2011-2013 budget have still not been restored, and Wisconsin’s public schools are currently funded below 2010 levels when adjusted for inflation.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (.xls file)
Yet, private school voucher funding has rapidly expanded. Private schools voucher spending reached over $2.3 billion as of 2017, with taxpayers expected to pay an additional $274 million this year.
Walker’s failure to fund our public schools has resulted in school referenda passing at record rates — which means increased taxes at the local level — and school debt skyrocketing to $1.35 billion.
On top of that, Walker’s attacks on teachers have led to extreme teacher shortages in districts across the state. A recent study shows a 54% shortage for math teachers and a 50% shortage for science teachers.
Median teacher pay is $10,800 lower because of Scott Walker.
Since 2011, Walker has cut $1 billion from higher education including $795 million from UW campuses and $203 million from Technical Colleges.
Education governor? Think again.
